More than 50 people teamed up to rescue an elephant in a 14-hour mission after it plunged down a deep well.
The elephant had walked into the village of Dharmapuri, in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, when it fell into the hole.
The well did not have a barrier and had been covered by bushes. It was thought to be around 50ft deep.
Parveen Kaswan, from the Indian Forest Service, tweeted: ‘This is how yesterday female elephant from Dharmapuri, TN was rescued, which fell in open well.
‘After hours of operation, which included supplying food also, the elephant is rescued by forest team.
‘It was a 50 feet deep well. And credits to the elephant also for her will.’
Locals from the village informed officials about the trapped animal early on Thursday.
They reportedly dropped banana leaves down the well for the elephant to eat while rescuers worked throughout the night.
A crane was brought in to retrieve the elephant, with footage showing the animal strapped in by belts and hanging upside down while it was being hauled to safety.
The elephant was monitored for three hours after the rescue, and it was later deemed to be unharmed and well.
Two other elephants have fallen down wells in the area in the past year, according to Reuters.
Parveen added: ‘Open wells and ditches in elephant migratory routes are huge problems for these animals.
‘Since they are long ranging creatures, migrate to long distances for food and water.
‘Least we can do is cover such wells or keep safety wall.’
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